RALEIGH — The North Carolina Aquariums are splashing into their golden anniversary. A division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Aquariums are celebrating 50 years of connecting people with the wonders of aquatic life, inspiring appreciation, advancing education, and promoting conservation.
Established in 1976 as Marine Resources Centers, the NC Aquariums at Fort Fisher, at Pine Knoll Shores and on Roanoke Island have grown into beloved statewide attractions that welcome more than a million visitors each year. With the addition of Jennette’s Pier in 2011, today the Aquariums stand as vibrant gateways to discovery, conservation and connection, bringing visitors face-to-fin with aquatic life and ecosystems.
“For 50 years, the North Carolina Aquariums have played a vital role in inspiring visitors, strengthening coastal communities, and protecting the natural resources that make our state so special,” said Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “This anniversary reflects decades of visionary leadership, sustained community support and dedicated staff who have ensured the Aquariums remain places of learning, wonder, and conservation for generations of North Carolinians.”
Throughout the last five decades, the Aquariums have inspired conservation action to protect the ocean and waterways through unforgettable encounters with aquatic life, while expanding access to science education and contributing to conservation research, rehabilitation, and emerging rescue work. Looking ahead, the Aquariums will continue enhancing their facilities, strengthening conservation impact, and creating new experiences that inspire curiosity and conservation for North Carolina’s aquatic world and beyond.
During the 50th anniversary year, the Aquariums and their non-profit partner, the North Carolina Aquarium Society, will host special events, programs, and celebrations, bringing together visitors, members, donors, and partners to recognize this statewide milestone and the legacy it represents.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we’re honoring a legacy that’s as deep and vibrant as the waters that connect us,” said Hap Fatzinger, North Carolina Aquariums director. “It’s both a moment to chart the course we’ve traveled and the one ahead — continuing to inspire wonder and responsibility for our waters and aquatic life.”
The North Carolina Aquariums’ golden anniversary is a celebration of the journey so far and a commitment to the future, ensuring that generations can experience, understand, and value North Carolina’s extraordinary aquatic life.
To learn more about the North Carolina Aquariums’ 50th anniversary, upcoming events, and how to get involved, visit ncaquariums50.com.
